About Us

The Authentic
Earth Flag

The Authentic Earth Flag serves as a powerful symbol of international unity and shared purpose, representing a call for all people to pledge mutual allegiance to our one universally shared resource—Earth itself. When the first photo of Earth was published in Life magazine in 1963, following the historic Apollo 10 mission during which it was captured, a man named John McConnell was profoundly moved by what he saw.

As a people, we became more aware of our planet, its relationship to the solar system, and its place in the universe, ``McConnell reflected. In recounting the story behind his creation of the flag, he elaborated: In viewing the first photo from space, and thereby sharing in part the experience of the astronauts, we experienced in a deep and emotional way a new awareness of our planet.``

When the first photo of Earth appeared in Life magazine in 1969, following the historic Apollo 10 mission on which it was taken, a man named John McConnell was deeply stirred — as were many other people — by what he saw. “As a people, we became more aware of our planet, its relation to our solar system and to the universe…” In recounting the story of his creation of the Flag Mr. McConnell continued: “…In viewing the first photo from space, thereby sharing in part the experience of the astronauts, we experienced in a deep and emotional way a new awareness of our planet.

The Earth Flag was copyrighted in 1969. The first Earth Flags were produced by the American Flag Co. in New Jersey. The first 500 flags were produced in a hurry, in order to use them at the “Moon Watch” at Central Park in New York City. This was the big event where people watched and celebrated the first landing on the Moon on July 20, 1969. Prominent at the ceremony was a large Earth Flag specially made by volunteers.

The Peace Bell rung on the First Earth Day

Following Moon Day McConnell headed for California. There he initiated efforts to create the first Earth Day, another idea that had grown out of his concepts for World Peace, and a Flag for all people. On the first Earth Day, March 21, 1970, the City of San Francisco flew the Earth Flag. Schools, churches, ecology groups, businesses, and youth organizations flew and used the Earth Flag. McConnell’s choice for Earth Day (the Vernal Equinox) was consistent with his commitment to the nonpolitical nature of the holiday he envisioned. On the Vernal Equinox (as well as the Autumnal Equinox in the Fall) daylight is the same all over the world. It was truly an “Earth Day.” The first Earth Day was primarily a Peace Day.